Sweet peaches, juicy blueberries, and hearty kale come together for a salad that’s a summer favorite in my house. It’s fresh, colorful, and simple to toss together for a light meal or an easy side.
Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh kale chopped, stems removed
- 2 ripe peaches sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled; goat cheese or omit for dairy-free
- 0.25 cup sliced almonds toasted; substitute pumpkin or sunflower seeds for nut-free
- 0.25 red onion thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for massaging kale
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup or agave
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the kale stems and chop the leaves. Place in a large bowl and gently massage with a little olive oil to soften it.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add sliced peaches, blueberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds to the kale. Drizzle with dressing.
- Toss everything gently until well combined. Serve immediately for the brightest flavor and crunch.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad
This salad is vibrant and bursting with seasonal flavors, making it ideal for warm days when you crave something refreshing. The blend of fruit and greens provides a delicious mix of sweet, tart, and earthy notes.
Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh kale (curly or lacinato), chopped
- Ripe peaches, sliced
- Fresh blueberries
- Crumbled feta cheese (swap for goat cheese or leave out for a dairy-free version)
- Toasted sliced almonds (use pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option)
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar for tang)
- Honey (maple syrup or agave as alternative sweeteners)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad
Step 1: Prep the Kale
Remove the kale stems and chop the leaves. Place in a large bowl and gently massage with a little olive oil to soften it.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add sliced peaches, blueberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds to the kale. Drizzle with dressing.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Toss everything gently until well combined. Serve immediately for the brightest flavor and crunch.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe but firm peaches so they hold their shape in the salad.
- Massage the kale thoroughly for a tender texture and mellow flavor.
- Toast the almonds just before serving for extra crunch and aroma.
Variations of Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Try goat cheese or skip cheese altogether for a plant-based version.
- Swap the almonds for walnuts or seeds to change up the crunch.
- Mix in other seasonal fruit like nectarines or strawberries for a twist.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Summer Peach Blueberry Kale Salad
- Serve alongside grilled salmon or chicken for a light dinner.
- Pair with crusty bread and hummus for an easy lunch.
- Pack as a picnic salad with chilled lemon-mint water.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one day. For best results, keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent wilting.
Memories Made Around the Table
This salad has seen many sunny backyard lunches in our family. It’s become a tradition to make it with whatever summer fruit is in the kitchen and share it with loved ones, always resulting in laughter and good conversations.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Fresh blueberries are ideal for this salad, but thawed and well-drained frozen blueberries work in a pinch.
What’s the best way to soften kale?
Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil for a couple of minutes to soften the leaves and mellow their flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble right before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This salad is a tribute to the best flavors of summer. Bright, juicy, and full of wholesome goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table too!